Artwork

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13)

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13), oil, 1710
Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13), oil, 1710

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13) is an oil painting. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The portrait depicts Abraham van Riebeeck, who served as Governor‑General of the Dutch East Indies from 1709 to 1713.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The depiction focuses on the individual's identity and office, reflecting the historical significance of his administration in the Dutch colonial hierarchy.

The work is a formal portrait depicting Abraham van Riebeeck, who served as the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1709 to 1713. Painted in 1710, the image presents the subject as a high-ranking colonial official, capturing his status during his tenure. As an anonymous oil painting on canvas, the piece functions primarily as a documentary record of the leader rather than an allegorical composition.

The depiction focuses on the individual's identity and office, reflecting the historical significance of his administration in the Dutch colonial hierarchy.

Technique & Style

The portrait was executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for 18th‑century Dutch portraiture. Measuring 89 cm by 80.5 cm, the work depicts Abraham van Riebeeck and was created in 1710, reflecting the formal composition and restrained palette typical of the period.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Abraham van Riebeeck was painted in 1710 using oil on canvas. It is housed in the Rijksmuseum collection, where it remains on display. The work depicts the former Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company and is classified as a portrait genre piece. Its dimensions measure 89 centimeters in height by 80.5 centimeters in width.

The painting's provenance is tied to the Rijksmuseum, which holds it as part of its permanent collection. No records indicate prior private ownership or additional transfers before its acquisition by the museum.

The painting is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it forms part of the museum's collection as a portrait of Abraham van Riebeeck dated 1710. The Wikidata record identifies the work's location and collection as the Rijksmuseum, with the canvas measuring 89 cm in height by 80.5 cm in width. No exhibition history or specific inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources.

Context

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713) served as Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company from 1709 to 1713. His portrait, painted in 1710, belongs to the portrait genre within the broader corpus of Dutch colonial portraiture. The work depicts the sitter in formal attire, reflecting contemporary regents' portrait conventions while documenting a pivotal figure in VOC administration.

Its creation aligns with early 18th-century Dutch portraiture's focus on civic and colonial authority, situating it within the artistic milieu of the Dutch Republic's global trade networks.

Overview

The portrait depicts Abraham van Riebeeck, who served as Governor‑General of the Dutch East Indies from 1709 to 1713. Rendered in oil on canvas, the work presents the official in a dark coat trimmed with white lace at the neck and cuffs. His hands rest on a cane, and a ring adorns his right finger, while a plain, dark background isolates the figure.

Legacy

The painting remains a valuable visual record of Dutch colonial governance, illustrating the attire and iconography associated with high office in the period. It contributes to the broader understanding of how portraiture functioned as a tool of representation and authority within the Dutch imperial framework.

Portrait of Johannes Thedens, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company
Portrait of Johannes Thedens, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company

Artist & collection

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13)?

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13)?

Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Gouverneur-generaal (1709-13) is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.